A: I’m afraid Mr Johnson is on another line. Shall I put you through to his secretary?

B: Yes please.

A: Hello. Plus One News. Jane speaking.

B: Hello. Can I speak to someone on your foreign affairs desk please?

A: Can I ask what it is concerning?

B: I have some information about the situation in the Straits of Gibraltar.

A: You need to speak to our Mediterranean correspondent, Mr Johnson. Shall I put you through to him now?

B: Yes please.

A: Okay. Please hold the line.

B: Okay, thank you.

A: Hello.

B: Hello. Is that Plus One News?

A: No, I’m sorry. This is Mama Mia Pizza Delivery. You must have dialed the wrong number.

B: Oh, I’m terribly sorry. Can I just check if I have the right number?

A: Of course. Go ahead.

B: Is that seven double three oh four two four?

A: No, this is seven three double oh four two four.

B: Oh, I do apologize. I’ll try and dial the number again.

A: Plus One News Limited. Jane Smithers speaking. How can I help you?

B: Hi Jane, it’s John.

A: Oh, hi John. How are you?

B: Very well, but a bit busy since I was transferred to the Middle East. How’s everything with you?

A: Not bad. Mr Johnson always keeps me busy too.

B: Is he available at the moment, do you know?

A: I think so. Just hold the line for a second and I’ll check.

B: Cheers.

Practice the dialogues in pairs.

Practice more times, covering more and more of the bottom of the conversation each time. You don’t have to use exactly the same words as is there, but you do have to successfully finish the conversation each time.